ACA Accreditation

First Aid/CPR Recognized Certifications

Updated March 2015

The following lists include certifications that meet specified ACA standards, based on recommendations from the certifying bodies. A camp should also verify what is acceptable certification within their state. This list will be updated when changes are made. To determine if courses or certifications not listed meet standards requirements, contact the standards department at the ACA national office.

At this time, the American Camp Association requires that any aquatic, first aid, and CPR certification must include, at minimum, 50% of course time to include in-person instruction, hands-on practice, and skills assessment under the direct supervision of a certified instructor from one of the organizations listed below. It is acceptable to have a portion of the course be completed online (course readings, etc.).

HW.2 from 2012 StandardsWhen access to the EMS is 30 minutes or less, certification by a nationally recognized provider of training in first aid and CPR?Standard, Community, or Basic First Aid with age-appropriate CPR from any of the following organizations:

HW.2.2 for the 2012 StandardsWhen access to EMS is 30 minutes certification from a nationally-recognized provider of training in wilderness first aid and CPR ? (A higher level of training will also meet this standard)(Minimum 16 hour course)Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Responding to Emergencies,or Wilderness EMT from any of the following organizations: (with age appropriate CPR from organizations listed in Part A or B):